
sugar
Sugar is primarily composed of carbohydrates providing approximately 4 calories per gram, with negligible protein, fat, or micronutrients in refined white sugar. Specialty sugars such as muscovado and coconut sugar contain trace minerals including potassium and iron, though in nutritionally insignificant quantities.
About
Sugar is a simple carbohydrate (monosaccharide or disaccharide) that serves as a fundamental sweetening agent in culinary applications worldwide. The most common culinary sugar is sucrose, a disaccharide derived from sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum) or sugar beets (Beta vulgaris), which is extracted, refined, and crystallized into granulated form. Sucrose comprises glucose and fructose units bonded together and represents approximately 99.9% purity in refined white sugar.\n\nSugar exists in multiple forms beyond granulated white sugar, including brown sugar (sucrose with molasses), muscovado (moist, mineral-rich), demerara, and turbinado (large-crystal varieties), as well as other sweetening sources such as honey, maple syrup, and coconut sugar. Each variety possesses distinct moisture content, crystal size, and residual mineral profiles that influence flavor and culinary properties. Chemically, sugar is highly soluble in water and undergoes transformation when heated—caramelizing at elevated temperatures and undergoing the Maillard reaction when combined with proteins.
Culinary Uses
Sugar functions as a fundamental ingredient across all culinary traditions, serving roles that extend far beyond simple sweetening. In baking, it modifies texture (providing moisture and tenderness), promotes browning through caramelization and the Maillard reaction, and contributes to structure through its hygroscopic properties. In confectionery, precise heating and crystallization techniques transform sugar into syrups, caramels, fondant, and pulled sugar sculptures. Sugar also functions as a preservative in jams and pickles, balances acidity in sauces, and enhances the perception of other flavors. It appears in savory applications including barbecue rubs, glazes, and Asian cooking, where balance between sweet and savory is essential.
Used In
Recipes Using sugar (2,800)
Maple Hot Chocolate
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 4 servings.
Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake
Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake from the Recidemia collection
Ma Po Tofu, Gravity's Guide
jpg One of the most well known dishes out of Sichuan province, firey hot, aromatic, and absolutely delicious. If you think you don't like tofu, you've never had this before. I mostly follow Fuchsia Dunlop's recipe with a few changes that I will mark.
Marbled Chocolate Cheesecake
Marbled Chocolate Cheesecake from the Recidemia collection
Marco Polo Steak Skillet
Makes 6 servings.
Mardi Gras Salad
Makes 6 servings

Marinara Sauce
(mariner's) sauce is a southern Italian tomato sauce usually made with tomatoes, garlic, herbs (such as basil), and onion.
Marinated Cole Slaw
Makes 1 gallon.
Marinated Garden Salad
Makes 4 servings
Marinated Salmon with Balsamic
Part of Hopper's entry in Iron Chef SA 028:Balsamic Battle
Marinated Tomatoes
It serves 6 people. To serve, layer half the lettuce, cilantro and drained tomatoes in a serving bowl, then repeat layers.
Marinated Vegetables
Marinated Vegetables from the Recidemia collection
Marinated Vegetable Salad
Makes 8 servings.
Marshmallow Easter Eggs
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group
Marshmallows dipped in Caramel and Nuts
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Mrs. Willi
Maruya
Golden banana fritter known as "maruya" in the Philippines.
Mascarpone Glazed Strawberries
Mascarpone Glazed Strawberries from the Recidemia collection
Mascarpone Mac N' Cheese
Folding in unsweetened whipped cream makes it light and airy.
Masfouf de tunis (tunisian sweet snack)
Masfouf de tunis (tunisian sweet snack) Yield: 6 Servings
Mashed Carrot Casserole
This recipe comes from Montréal, Québec Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group
Masi Samoa
Masi Samoa from the Recidemia collection
Massa Sovada
Portugese Sweet Bread Contributed by Cat's Recipes Y-Group
Matjeri Masala
Matjeri Masala from the Recidemia collection
Matzo Mango Kugel
Matzo Mango Kugel from the Recidemia collection
Matzo Meal Latkes
Matzo Meal Latkes from the Recidemia collection
Matzo Meal Pancakes
These are kosher for Passover
May Day Cookies Tippaleivät
May Day Cookies Tippaleivät
Mazurka II
In Romanian: Mazurka II
Mazurka with Chocolate and Whipped Cream
In Romanian: Mazurca cu ciocolata si frisca
Mbatata Cookies
Malawi is known as the "warm heart of Africa" due to the friendliness of Malawian people. These cookies can be cut in the shape of hearts to commemorate the Malawian people.
Meatballs in Tomato Sauce with Onion, Garlic and Spices
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 4 servings
Meatless Lasagna
Meatless Lasagna a vegetarian take on a large pasta based meal.
Meat Okroshka
Meat Okroshka from the Recidemia collection
Mediterranean Pizza
Meterranean Pizza from the Public Health Cookbook by the Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—oiginal source of recipe, public domain government resource Serves: 12
Mediterranean Turkey and Eggplant Stir-fry
Mediterranean Turkey and Eggplant Stir-fry from the Recidemia collection
Mee Goreng
Mee Goreng A Classic Mamak stir fry. Lots of fresh vegetables, a little minced mutton and high heat. The result? A dish with just a touch of the desired flavourful burnt. Served with a side dish of fresh cucumber and tomato sauce ... hmm ...
Melfoof
Melfoof from the Recidemia collection
Melktert I
Melktert. Good traditional Zambian and South African custard pie recipe. Try it! This is no Quick Melktert (microwave) recipe. This is the game traditional Zambian way.
Melon-Papaya Batido
Melon-Papaya Batido from the Recidemia collection
Melon Salad
Most Zambian people always have a number of salads to compliment the meats. To serve, decorate with mint sprig. The salad is no exception.
Melons with Sweet California Avocado Dip
Melons with Sweet California Avocado Dip from the Recidemia collection
Mennonite Chicken Dumpling Casserole
This is an AWESOME recipe - strong basil flavor! Hope you enjoy this as much as we do! A traditional comfort food - great on those cool winter days and nights! ENJOY!
Merengue Layered Cake
In Romanian: Tort bezea

Meringues
are crunchy confections made from whipped egg whites and sugar. In Germany and Austria (but not in France) they are called Baiser (from French kiss). Served with whipped cream, they are a traditional dessert in the canton of Bern in Switzerland.
Meringue-topped Pineapple Rice Pudding
Makes 8 servings.
Mexican Biscochito Cookies
Mexican Biscochito Cookies from the Recidemia collection
Mexican Orange Fudge
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group This Y-group is
Micha Bread
Micha Bread from the Recidemia collection
Microwave Chocolate Cake
A quick and easy chocolate cake recipe made in the microwave.
Microwave Fudge
Contributed by Paula in California via Catsrecipes Y-Gro